How many international students come to the US each year?
What countries are they from? How old are they? Approximately 2,000 YFU students come to the US each year from about
70 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Pacific. YFU high school program students are 15 to 18 years old.
How long do YFU international students live in the US? Would our student live with us that whole time?
Most YFU international students live in the US for one academic year—about 11 months—from approximately mid-August
through late June. Some six-month hosting opportunities are available for semester students arriving in either January
or August and even shorter stays occur through our summer short-term programs. With the exception of possible YFUarranged field trips, your international student is be part of your family during his or her entire exchange experience.
What are the requirements for being a host family?
Host families are as different and diverse as America itself. They come from all ethnic, racial, economic and religious
backgrounds. They live in cities, small towns and rural communities. You don’t need to have teenagers to host. In fact,
nearly anyone can be a YFU host family—whether you are single or married, have young children, adult children, or no
children at all. All you need to do is open your home and hearts to your student and provide room, board, love, guidance
and the experience of what everyday life is like in America. You are an ambassador just being yourself. It’s enriching—and
fun!
Are we responsible for our student’s medical bills or spending money?
No. YFU international students have their own medical insurance and bring their own spending money.
Does YFU require that we have a separate bedroom for our international student?
No, you don’t need to have a separate room for your YFU student. He or she may share a bedroom with a child of the same
gender. All you need to provide is a bed, a quiet study area and sufficient storage area for clothing and personal items.
How will YFU prepare us to be a host family?
You’ll receive a copy of the YFU Host Family Handbook, your reference guide throughout the exchange year. Also, before
your student arrives, you are be invited to an orientation program for host families. Here you get answers to any lastminute questions, meet other host families (including some who have hosted before and can share their experiences with
you) and learn how to support your new family member through normal adjustments such as culture shock and speaking
a new language. You are invited to a second orientation, shortly after your student arrives. Finally, keep in mind your most
important resource, your volunteer YFU Area Representative, is there to answer questions and help you out in every way,
every step of the way.
What will happen if we have problems while hosting?
Members of the YFU support network, including professional counselors, do their best to help you resolve any difficult
situations arising during the year. Often, the only thing needed is a chance to talk things over with a third party. YFU
volunteers are trained to provide an opportunity for students and family members to feel safe to discuss what’s troubling
them. Occasionally, YFU finds another home for the student, although this usually isn’t necessary. As you know if you’re a
parent, getting to the other side of a rough time with a child can be a very rewarding experience. It’s that way with hosting,
too.
“
As a teacher, the reason I chose to work with YFU and
host students myself was from my years of experience
with YFU in the classroom. It always seemed to have the
most well-adjusted, supported exchange students.
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